Defiant Wenger won’t let go

BARCELONA. — Arsene Wenger has fired out a strong and simple message to his critics: “I built this club — I’ll know when it’s time to go.”

Under-fire Arsenal manager Wenger has also insisted he remains as motivated as ever despite strong calls for his 20-year reign to come to an end of the campaign if he fails to deliver a trophy.

Arsenal travelled to European champions Barcelona last night with the daunting task of trying to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit.

A run of one win in seven games has severely dented the Gunner’s hopes of landing a first Premier League title in 12 years, whilst their bid to win a third consecutive FA Cup was ended by a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Watford on Sunday.

But Wenger has made it clear he is not quitting after insisting his motivation is even bigger now than when he first arrived 20 years ago.

Wenger is under mounting pressure at the Emirates with Arsenal’s season on the brink of collapse as their chances of winning silverware appear to be over.

But he gave a passionate defence of his position and his legacy amid mounting criticism from fed-up Arsenal fans who are calling for him to go this summer. —AFP.